The Injury Hub

Sciatica: Info, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of sciatica.

The Injury Hub: Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatic pain or “sciatica” is one of the most commonly used terms to describe radiating pain or altered sensation which originates from the lower back and may be felt in the buttock, back of the leg and foot. Every nerve in your body stems from the spinal cord. In the case of the lower limbs, one major nerve, the sciatic nerve, originates from the lumbar spine and the sacrum as seen in the diagram below. More specifically, the sciatic nerve originates from the L4-S3 nerve roots.

Interestingly, “sciatica” is not actually a medical diagnosis, but rather a symptom. It does not mean your sciatic nerve or your lower back is damaged, but rather that it has become sensitised and it does not mean you are now bound to living the rest of your life with a “bad back” or crippling leg pain.

Woman with sciatica with hands on her back

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common sciatica symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

There are several different causes of sciatic pain which can be determined by your chartered physiotherapist upon initial assessment. Some common causes include:

  • Compression of the sciatic nerve by a lumbar disc bulge as the nerve exits the spinal cord

  • Irritation from the facet joints which join each vertebra to each other

  • Compression from the deep rotator muscles in your hip as the sciatic nerve passes beneath or through it.

Symptoms of lumbar disc injury:

  • Pain in the lower back, buttock, back of the leg and foot.

  • Tingling, burning or “pins and needles” in the back of the leg, down to the foot.

  • Lower limb weakness.

  • Most often, sciatic pain is secondary to lower back pain. It is important to keep moving to maintain the flexibility in your lower back.

  • Go for regular short walks.

  • Gentle walking in a pool can help reduce your symptoms. 

  • Always choose a chair that has good lower back support and avoid sitting with your legs outstretched in front of you.

  • Don’t sit for over 30 minutes at a time. 

  • A heat pack to the lower back can help reduce muscle tension. 

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects. 

  • Avoid spending time in a forward bent position.

It is recommended that you visit your nearest chartered physiotherapist to accurately assess and manage the issue. You will be provided with a specific home exercise programme which will allow you to return to your baseline level of activity. They may also do some manual therapy techniques to help reduce the pain.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

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